Airplane



Oct.- 12 1926.V 1,603,051

. R. F. HALL.

Filed Jan. 51, 1923 '2. sheets-snee: 1

'R F. HALL.

Oct. 12,19

AIRPLANE Filed Jan. 51, 192: 2 .Smeets-snaai v Patented Oct. 12, 1926.

UNITED STATES'PATENT OFFICE..

RANDOLPH F. HALL, 0F ITHACA, N IEWl YORK, ASSIGNOB.

P. HALL, OF WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT, AND ON E-SIXTI-I TO PAUL WILSON, 0F

ITHACA, NEW YORK.

AIRPLNE.

Application filed' January 31, 1923. Serial No. 616,126.V

This invention relates to cert-ain improvements in airplanes; and the nature and objects of the invention will be readily recognized and understood by those skilled in the arts involved in the light of the following explanation and detailed description of t-he accompanying drawings illustrating lwhat I novT consider to be the preferred embodiments or mechanical expressions of the invention from among various other forms,.ar rangements, combinations and constructions of which the invention is capable within the spirit and scope thereof.

This invention deals generally with those types of units, parts or elements of aircraft characterlzed by trussing, framing, bulkheads,vor such like structure enclosed within a skin or suitable covering attached thereon and t-hereover; and the invention is more particularly direct-ed to certain problems en'` countered in the design, construction and assembly of airplane supporting surfaces or wings, and control surfaces, formed of metal y trussing or' framing enclosed within and covered by a metal skin, although likewise applicable to such elements when formed and constructed of other materials, 4or combinations of materials, than metal.

In the construction and'assembly of allmet-al airplane wings and similar or equivalent elements of aircraft generally, the metal wing frames are rst constructed and assembled, and then ItheA metal skin is attached and secured thereon and thereover enclosing the frames to form therewith the completed wing, or panel or section thereof as the case may be. The metal skin is generally applied over and covering\the upper and lower sides of the frame Aby riveting the skin to the,

frame members. Now, in constructing and problem varises from the considerable diffiv culty encountered in t-he operation of applying and riveting the metal skin on and over the completed wing frame', due to the limited and restricted space within the4 wing in which to properly apply and internally back upthe rivets for attaching the m'etal skin to the wing frame. This diiiculty is encountered in a maximum degree in theoperation 0F ONE-THIRD TO'THEODORE of attaching and riveting the last'. applied l skin or section thereof to the wing frame, which closes the wing and completes the'enclosure and covering of the frame.

The above difficulties and problem mentioned, together with certain other conditions inherent in the construction referred to, result in the formation of Wings and such like elements of this general type, in which there is considerable possibility of the skin being insecurely attached toand on the framethrough the presence of improperly applied and secured rivets, so that inservice the skin may become loosened or detached from the frame by the shearing or pulling of such rivets from attached position, "F urther, the construction and assembly of such types of wings involving the various difficulties and conditions referred to, is an 'operav tion which requires considerable time and painstaking work, with a relative high cost of production.-

lVith the referred to general types of allmetal wings and otherV elements having similar structural characteristics, after the wing is completed with the skin attached in position covering and enclosing it is not possible to inspect the interior of the wing Without detaching and removing vthe skin or a portion thereof from the frame, and in the-event of damage to such afwing in service it is seldom possible to repair or replace any part or portion thereof without detaching 'the skin. Thus, a further serious disadvantage is inherent in such types of wings and similar aircraft elements, due-to the fact that they cannot be practically or readily disassembled or knocked down for inspection or repair without detaching the covering skin fronrthe frameto which it is riveted, or otherwise attached. f

One of the main objects of the present invention, therefore, is to solve the several the Wing frame v problems and overcome the various dilicullsuch for example as airplane. wings; and

particularly to overcome the difficulties envide a design formed of upper and provision of `and trussing,

countered in properly applying and attaching the skinor covering and covered thereby,

vA further object of the invention is the a design of airplanefwing or similar aircraftl element, and a method of constructingand assembling the same, in which the skin or covering can be readily applied and secured in attached position to the frames without interference fromv the frames or from sections of the skinfiirst applied, due to restricted or confined working space, so that the time and work involved vin theconstruction and assembly of such elements is materially reduced with an increase in reduction and reduction in cost thereof.

further object of the invention is to proof airplane wing of the allmetal type and a method of ,constructingand y assemblying the same, in which the metal skin or covering is riveted or attached to the frames before complete assembly thereof and before completion and closure of the wing by the skin, so that the operation of applying the rivets or other securing means for attaching the skin t'o the frame is not interfered with 4due to restricted operating or working space.

A further obyect of the invention is to provide a design and construction of ,air-

plane wing of the all-metal type which can be readily disassembled for inspection, rev pair or replacement without removing or detaching the skin or 4covering of the wing from attached position on the wing frame.

A further object of the invention is to provide an aircraft element having the structural characteristic of a frame enclosed within and covered by a skin o r covering attached thereon, in which the frame'is formed in unitsand each unit is provided with a section of the skin attached-thereon, so that the. units with the skin can be assembled to form vthe completed frame enclosed within and covered by the skin, to

vavoid and overcome the disadvantages' of.

attaching. the enclosing skin on the complete assembled frame.

A further object of the invention is to provide an airplane wing or similar element lower units, each unit comprising a portion of the wing frame and trussing and-the upper or lower skin of the wing attached thereon, so that, .when the units are assembled the complete -wing .frame enclosed within the skin or covering, is formed to provide the complete t wing; and to further so form the units-.of

, the wing .that theymay be detached and the wing disassembled without removing the skin from attached position on the respective units.

A further object of the invention is to provide an airplane wing or similar beam constructed, in -upper and lower units deto a frame enclosedy tachably connected together and assembled t-o form a complete beam.

A further object of the invention is to provide a wing rib or truss formed in upper and lower units detachably connected together and assembled tol forma complete rib or truss'.

A further object of the invention is to provide certain improvements in the construction and in the arrangement and assembly of structural elements of all-metal airplane wings, in order to form a Wing of high aerodynamic efficiency which can be rapidly manufactured at relatively low cost with a minimum possibility of structural defects or defects due to errors in assembly.

lVith the foregoing and various other objects and results in view, which other 0b- Ajects and results will be clearly apparent tures of the invention an/d disclosing one- .construction and arrangement thereof.

Fig. 2, is a View similar to Fig. 1, showing the wing disassembled" withJ the elements thereof in relative position for assembly to form and complete the wing.

Fig. 3, is a vertical transverse section, more or less diagrammatical, through a wing of a different construction and arrangement of the form of Fig. 1, and showing the wing disassembled with the units and `elements thereof in relative position for 'assembly.

Fig. 4, is a vertical transverse section, more or less diagrammatical and lomitting portions of the section lines for'clearness,

through an assembled wing embodying the r invention of a type A1n detachably connected- Fig. 5, isa view similar to Fig. 4, and showing the type of wing thereof disassembled with the units and elements there!" of in relative position for assembly. L

Fig. 6, is a detail perspective view of a portion of a wing spar Jor beam of the type shown in Figs. 4 and 5, with 'the upper and 'lower units thereof in assembled connected position. to form the wing beam.

Fig. 7, is a. detail view in vertical trans- .verse section through a portion of `an assembled- Wing spar of -the type disclosed in Fig. 6. Y

Which the wing 'beams are formed in upper and lower units As illustrative of the principles of the teristics to which 'the inventionv and the varlous features thereof are applicable, airplane supporting surfaces or wings embodyi tained thereby. However, it is not intended or desired to limit the invention to supporting surfaces or wings of the all-metal types, nor to limit the .invention to application to supporting surfaces or wings, as it will be readily apparent to those familiar with the aeronautical art that the invention and the principles thereof are equally applicable to Wings formed of other materials than metal, as well as applicable to aircraft elements generally which possess the 4broad structural characteristics of a frame or equivalent structure'covered by and enclosed within a skin or covering attached thereon and thereover.

In Figs. 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings, a portion of one form of an allmetal airplane supporting surface or wing embodying certain features of the invention,-

is illustrated. This lform of the invention `comprises a series of transversely spaced longitudinal wing spars or beams 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, each formed, with'the exception of the outer rear beam 5, of the spaced upper and lower tube longitudinals'lO and 11, re-

spectively, connected and interbraeed by the bracing or trussing 12. In the present instance, the outer rear wing spar or .beam 5 is formed by the single longitudinal tube 10. The wing beams 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are formed of diiferent'depths and are arranged Y with respect to each other in assembled position in the Wing to define the varying depth transversely thereof, in the usual manner.

A series of contour formers or chord members 14 are positioned extending transversely across the upper tube longitudinals 10 and spaced longitudinally along the wing' beams. In the example illustrated the upper chord members 14 extend forwardly adistance beyond the outer front wing, spar or beam 1 and extend rearwardly to and terminate at the rear Wing beam 4. 1 The chord members 14 are preferably, although not essentially, formed of `substantialb7 U-shape in crosssection and are positioned on and across the wing beams with the open sides thereof toward and against the tube longitudinals thereof. At the Vpoints of contact andengagement with the tube longitudinals of the wing beams, the contour Iformers or chord members 14 are flattened 'by spreading the sides thereof laterally, and are attached on and to the tube longitudinals bythe rivets 15 secured" through the members 14 and the adjacent rwalls of the tubes- 10, respectively. A similar series of contour formers or chord members 16 are lsecured transversely across the opposite or lowersides of the wing beams directly below and in the same vertical planes withthe upper chord members 14,

respectively. The lower chord members 1G extend forwardly to and terminate at the outer forward wing beam 1, and extend rearwardly to and terminate at the outer rear wing beam The chord members 16 are secured and attached to the lower tube longitudinals 11 of the wing beams, and Ato the' tube 10 forming beam ,5, by means of the rivets 17, in a manner similar to that described with reference to the attachment of the upper'chord members to the tubes `10 are attached. In the' embodiment of the invention disclosed in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the interbracing or trussing 1S between each pair of upper and lower chord members, extends from the forward end of the upper chord member 14 to the lower' chord member 16 at the point of attachment lto the tube longitudinal-11 of. the, forward wing beam 1; upwardly from beam l to the upper member 14 at its point of attachment with tube 10 of beam 2; downwardly to member 16 at its point of attachment to tube 11 of beam 3; upwardly to member 16 at the point of attachment to tube 10 of beam 4; and downwardly to the lowerfchord member 16 at its point ofattachment-.to the tube longitudinal lO'constituting wing beam Preferably, the interbracing forming the trussing 18 between the upper and lower chord members 14 and 16, isformed of U- shape .in cross section similar to the chord members, although it is not desired to limit the trussing t'o this forni or shape.y The forward end of the bracing or trussing between leo each pair of chord members` is flattened'or spread and attached the forward end of thefupper chord member 14 by means of a rivet or the like 19, and the bracing is f attened at the points of engagement wtih the wing -beams and secured and attached .thereto `betweenllthe. adjacent tube longi- Thus, from the foregoing description in,

i connection with Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawl lower chord members withthe interbracing ings, it is seen that each pair of upper and or trussing 18 therebetween forms a win rib or truss extending transversely of an attached ^to the longitudinal wing beams, and that the series of such ribs so formed, together with the series of longitudinal wing beams provides a trussed and braced frame adapted to be enclosed within a suitable skin or covering to form the complete wing, or section thereof, of the desired aerofoil section. Various other forms and arrangevments of interbracing and trussing between and forming the wing ribs with the chord Ilmembers may be utilized, as will `be clear vto those skilled .in the art and it' is not intended to limit the invention tothe form shown and described herewith by way of an example.

The wing frame so formed and embodying certain principles of the invention' is c ovlered by and enclosedwithin a suitable skin or' covering. In the present instance this skin or covering is formed of metal, smooth or corrugated, attached on and over the upper 4and lower vsides of the frame. The upper surface of the wing is formed by the metal skin 20, which may be a single piece or be formed of strips or sheets, riveted to the upper chord members 14 of the wing frame by means of -the rivets 15,

and suitably attached to the frame between the spaced upper-chord members by means of rivets or the like along and vsecured to the upper tube longitudinals of the wing beams. The lower surface of the wing is formed in a similar manner by -the metal skin 21 attached to the lower chordmembers 16 by the rivets 17 and suitably attached along the lower tube longitudinals of the wing beams between the spaced chord members 16. The upper and lower skin or covering 20 and 21 extend forwardly a distance and are curved inwardly toward each other with their forward edge portions attached together by rivets 22 to form the leading edge of the wing. If desireda strengthening bar 23 may be attached over ythe connected edges of the upper and lower coverings 2O and 21 to stiden the leading edge portion of the wing. The rear edge portions of the .upper and lower skin or coverings are v'extended rearwardly where they converge and are attached together byv f the rivets 24', or other suitable attaching means. With the upper and lower metal coverings in attached position lon and over the wing e frame v'they provide e a metal skin enclosing the wing frame andforming therewith the complete wing, or section or panel thereof, of the desired aerofoil section. The metal skin' so mounted and attached performs a further function of strengthening and reinforcing the wingv frame and completed wing structure, as will be clear to e those skilled in the art.

In accordance with the invention, the wing above described is formed of an upper nnitand a lower unit which may be detached for disassembling the wing for inspection, replacement, or repair. In Fig. 2 of the, drawings the wing of rig. iis disclosed .with the units in detached position for assembly. The. upper-unit A, in the example shown, comprises the wing beams 1, 3 and 5, the upper chord members 14 'with the interbracing and trussing 18,/ and the upper skin 20 attached in position on and to the chord members and the tube longitudinals 10 of the wing beams 1, 3- and 5. --The lower unit B, comprises the 'alternate wing beams 2 and 4 with the lower chord members 16 attached thereacross, and the lower skin 21 attached to the chord members and the tubelongitudinals 11 of the beams 2 and 4. I-n assembling the units to form the comv plete wing, the upper unit A is mounted and `titted onto the unit B, so that the wing beams 1, 3 and 5 thereof alternate with the bea-ms 2 and 4 of the lower unit, and with the upper chord members 14 and interbracing'or trussing 18 thereof, directly above and in line with the lower chord members 16, respectively, so that the interbracing 18 is in position with respect to each pair of upper and lower .chord members, 'respectively, to form a complete trussed rib therewith. Thevupper and lower units A and B are secured and attached in the `above referred to wing forming position, by riveting the upper chord members 14 and bracing 18 to the upper tube longitudinals 10 of the beams` 2 and 4, at their points of engagement therewith, by means of the i* rivets 15; and by riveting the lower chord members 16 to the lower tube longitudinals 11 `of the beams 1, 3 and 5 and bracing 18 thereon, at their points of engagement therewith, by means of the rivets 17. The upper skin 20 is riveted along the tube longltudinals 10 of beams 2 and 4 between the spaced upper chord members 14, and. the lower skin 21 is riveted along the tube longitudinals 11 of beams 1 and 3, and tube 10 of beam 5, between the spaced lower chord members 16. The rivetingof the units A and B together .asa above described is performed by drilling through the skin and tubes to provide bores therealong to receive the rivets, r then inserting suitable vmandrels (not shown) in and through the tubes to back up the rivets. Then, by driving the rivets against the mandrels therivets can be properly secured in position attaching the skin to the tube longitudinals. Preferably, the riveting operationfis commenced at'one end of thetubes, and as the rivets are driven to attached position the mandrcls are drawn outwardly toward'the opposite end of the tubes. lVith the' units A andA B, so formed, secured together to provide the completed wing frame with the skin attached in position thereon, the-wing -is closed and completed by attachingiand securing the forward edge portions of the upper and lower skin or coverings 20 and 2l together by means of rivets 22 and channel bar 23; and by attaching the rear edge v portions .of the skin together by means of the rivets 24.

The upper and lower wing units A and li are constructed by assembling vthe wing frame portions thereof, and then attaching the portions of the wing skin thereon and thereto to form the completed units for assemblyand attachmentto form the wing. By thus' constructing and assembling the units, unrestricted space is obtained, on both sides ofthe portions of the skin of each unit to permit of ready access to the skin in assembling and attaching the same to the frame portionof the unit. lVith the units so constructed, and each having a' portion of the total wing skin or covering attached. thereon in proper position before assembly of the wing, a complete' wing can be quickly and efficiently constructed by 'assembling and securing the units together, as above indicated, and the difficulties en- `countered in applying and attaching the skin to and closing a complete assembled uiug'frame are overcome. A complete wing so constructed and assembled. can be di'sassembled for inspection, repair or replacement by removing the rivets or other at-,`

. taching means with which the units are secured in wing forming relation. and the units separated. as clearly indicated in Fig. 2. This disassembly can be carried out without removing or detaching the wing skin or covering from attached position on the wing frame unit-s, as will be clcarand readily apparent from the foregoing 'desciption in connection with the drawing. disclosures.

Tn Fig. 3 of the accompanying drawings, a vmodified arrangement and construction of the upper and lower wing forming units, A and Bis illustrated, in which the interbracing or trussing 1S between the pairs of upper and lower chordy members 14 and 16, which forms therewith the wing ribs, is attached to and forms apart of the lower wing unit B. The assembly and attachment of the wing units A and B of the arrangement of Fig. 3. is similar to and will be clear from ihe description Vof the method of constructand upwardly to provide the opposite ing and assembling the units of the arrangement of'Figs. 1 and 2. The principles of the invention ascXemplitied in Figs. .1 to 3 of the drawings may be physically expressed in othei1 forms and arrangements. i 5

If desired the transverse bracing forminv` the trussing between the pairs of upper and lower chord members can be dividedy between the upper and lower wing forming units A and B, and various other forms and types of such bracing and trussing can be employed, as well as various drift or interrib bracing, tie rods and the like, as will be clea-r tolanyone familiar with the aeronautical art.

A modified type of wing or similar aircraft element, embodying the basic and other principles and features of the inven-l tion, isV illustrated in Figs. 4 to 7, of the accompanying drawings. In this type not only the wing ribs as in the form of Fig. 1, but'the longitudinal wing beams, are formed in sections or units, and the complete wing structure is formed of. upper and lower units detachably secured and attached together in suchv a manner that in disassemblingand assembling .the wing it is not necessary to detach or attach the skin or covering from orto the wing frame, it being nierely necessary to detach or attach the lleading and trailing edge portions of the wing beam formed thereof, is illustrated in detail in Figs. Each upper and lower unit Q'and D of a 'wing beam is formed of the plates or strips 28 and 29 placed together and riveted, as

by a series of rivets 30. The plates 28 and 29 are provided with lightening holes or openings 31 having the edge portions thereof flared or bent outwardly to increase the strength 'of the plates. The upper longitudinal edge portions of the plates'forming the beam unit C are rolled outwardly'and downwardly lto .provide the opposite later-l ally extending roll flanges S25-and the-lower longitudinal edge ,portions of the 'platesforming beam unit D arerolled outwlrdly aterally extending roll flanges 33, similar i flanges 32 of unit C. The lower longitu- 4dinal portions of plates 28 and 29 of'unit C, are bent outwardly to provide .opposite 6 and 7 of the drawings.

to the l laterally extending portions having their outer edges bent upwardly therefrom to form therewith the opposite laterally extending L-flanges 34. The upper longitu- I dinal portions of plates 28 and 29 forming vb eam unit D are bent to provide opposite laterally extending portions having, their ledges bent downwardly to provide the L- flanges 35, similar to the flanges 34 of unit C. The upper and lower wing beaml units C and D are assembled i-n vertical alinement with the L-flanges 34 of unit C abutting and bearing on the L-flanges 35 of unit D. A series of short taper pins 36 are secured at 1B spaced intervals along and depending downwardly through the opposite laterally extending portions of the L-flanges 34, respectively, of unit C, and a series of spaced bores are formed at corresponding spaced intervals through the opposite laterallyextending portions of L-flanges of unit-D, which bores receive the taper pins 36 of flanges 34 and properly aline and maintain the upper and lower units C and D in assembledbeam 95 forming relation. In assembled position of the upper and lower units C and D, the abutting L-anges 34 and 35 on each side of the 'beam extend laterally therefrom to form a projecting portion of T-shape in cross secm tion (see Fig. 7) with the head thereof at the outer end spaced from and disposed substantially parallel with the beam web formed by the vertically alined plates 28 and 29 of the upper and lower beam units C and 35 D, respectively. The beamvunits C and D are detachably cou-pled and locked together in assembled beam forming position to form a rigid beam,

in such a manner that the units may be read- 40' ily uncoupled and detached to disassemble the beam so formed. In the-present example, the means for detachably coupling and locking the beam units C and D together in beam forming position and relation comprises a -pair of channel bars or connecting members 37 leach provided, if so desired,

with a series of spacedstrengthening ins or ribs 38 extending laterally from the closed side thereof, In order to couple and lock vthe upper and lower units C and D together to form a complete rigid wing beam, `the con-- necting members or channel bars 37 are fit'- ted over and forced to slide longitudinally onto the abutting-L-flanges 34 and 35,' re- .'55 spectively, extending from opposite sides of the beam web, in .position securely coupling and binding the upper and. lower units and D together, as clearly shown in Figs. 6

and l7 of the accompanying drawings. With 00 the upper and lower units C and D detachably locked together by means'of the connecting members 37, a rigid beamv is formed in which relative longitudinal movements and longitudinal shear between the connected upper and lower beam units. is prevented by the series of taper pins, or the like, 36 exunits, and detaching units.

The wing of Figs. 4 and 5, is formed of the upper and lower units E and F which and separating the on and over the abutting Lfflanges of the v are constructed separately and then `assembled to form the complete wing. The lower unit F of the wing comprises the spaced lower units D of the series of wing beams 25, 26 and 27, respectively. A series of transverse contour former's or chord members 4() extend across and are spaced longitudinally along the lower sides of the units D, and are attached and secured to the base forming oppositely extending roll lianges 33 of the units D by Ameans of rivets or the like 41. The Ychord members 40 extend a distance forwardly and rearwardly beyond the outer beam units D, respectively, and a series Ofbraces arel connected between each chord membervand the beam units D to form trussing and bracing'therefor. In the present example, each chord member 40 isv provided with a brace 42extending rearwardly and upwardly from the forward en'd thereof to the unit D of the forward wing beam 25, and a brace 43 extending forwardly and upwardly from the rear end thereof to the unit D of the rearvwing beam 27.. At the intermediate unit D of beam 26, each chord member is provided with a pair of braces 4.4 extending upwardly therefrom at points adjacent the forward and rear beam units D, respectively, to opposite sides of the intermediate beam unit D.

Thelower'beam units D with the transverse chord members 40 attached thereto and the bracing between units D and members 40 are provided with the lower skin 45 of the wing'. .The skin 45 may be formed of smooth or corrugated metal applied as a single platev or sheet, or formed and applied in strips or the like. In whatever form used, the skin 45 is riveted to the transverse chord members and the roll flanges '33 of the lower loeam` unitsD by means of the rivets 41 which secure the members 40 to units-D, and to the beam flanges 33 between the spaced chord l members 40 by rivets or theV like attaching means. TheA skin 45, so attached,"extends C forwardly and rearwardly beyond themembers 40 and forms therewith and with the beam units D and trussing therefor, the lower' unit of the complete wing. It will be notedthat in constructing and assembling the Wing unit F, the skin 45 thereof can be readily attached thereon and thereto', as there is no interference from vthe unit structure.'

' 65v complete Wing,

Vthe upper unit frame,

and theskinattaching rivets are accessible for backing up and driving from either side of the unit. Likewise in assembling the frame structure of the unit no interference is encountered as all parts thereof are accessible.

The upper wing unit E is formed, constructed and assembled in a similar manner to that of 'lower wing unit F. Upper unit E comprises the upper units C of the wing beams 25, 26, and 2T, arranged spaced apart transversely ot the ii'ing corresponding to the position of lower beam units D o' lower wing unit 1"., A series ot contour tormersl or chordnieiiibers 46 extend transversely icross and spaced longitiulinally ot the upper beam units C corresponding to the spacing of lower chord members l-(l. The ineinbers. 46 are attached to the roll [langes 32 ot' the beam units C by the rivets 4T. Each chord member 46 and the beam units C are provided with braces. forming triissing therebetween arranged in a manner corresponding to the braces 42, 4?, and 44 of the lower wing unitF; brace 48 yfrom the forward end ot' each member 46 to the forward unit C; brace 49 from the rear end thereof to rear unit C; and braces 50 extending from opposite sides ot' the intermediate beam unit C to each member 46. The upper skin or covering 51 of the wing is secured on and attached to so formed, byv means .0f rivets 47 to the members 46 thereof, and to the roll flanges 32 of the beam units between the members 46, by any suitable attacliin Y means. The skin 5l extends forwardly and rearwardly a distance beyond'the members 46, corresponding to the extension of the skin 45 on the lower wing unit.

lVith the upper and lower wing units E and F formed and arranged as described, a complete wing can be readily and quickly assembled therefrom in the following man ner. The upper ainit E is placed onto the lower unit l1" with the upper beam units C alined with and bearing upon and abutting the vlower beam units D, respectively, and with the series of upper chord 'meinbers 46 directly above and respectively alined'with the lower chord nienibers tion ot the wing units the'proper alineinent and relative assembled position thereof is attained by means of the pins 36 in the L-tlanges 34 of the upper beamiinits C, tting into and received by the series ot bores, respectively, in the L-fhinges 35 of the lower beam units D. Thepairs of spaced vertical- 'ly alined upper and lowercontour 'lormers o1' chord members 46 and 40, with the -respective bracing thereon extending therefrom to the beam units te which the, inembers are respectively attached, provide a series ot' trussed ribs extendingr transversely tl'irough andspaced longitudinally .along the each of which trussed ribs vupper and lower wing units,

.of rigid wing beams 25, y l longitudinally through the wing. IThe at\ .portion of the wing.

40. .In this posi.'

is formed in units providing a part of the respectively.

y The upper and lower wi.ngiini`ts E-and F are secured and 4attached together in wing formingposition and relation by means ot' the beam unit connecting members or Channel bai-s3" forming posit-ion the upper'and lower beam units C and D-forming the series of wing beams 25, 26, and 27, respectively, are attached together by forcing a pair ol the connecting members 37 over and onto trie oppo sitely extending pairs of L-'flanges 34 and 35, respectively, ot each beam in a manner hereinbe'fore described, thus att-aching the beam units C and D together to form the series 26 and 27 extending taclnnent and connecting of the beam units attaches and rigidly secures the upper and lower upper and lower beam units, form,component parts, together to form the complete wing. The connecting members or channel bars 37 are forced' onto the wing beam units trom the in-board or open 'end of a complete wing, and in the case of a wing section or panel may be applied from either end thereof, as desired. e

Alter attachment and securing of the upper and lower wing units togetherLthe wing is readily cloied by connecting theforward edge' portion of the upper and lower skin 5l and 45 together by means of av channel bar or the like 523 and the rivets 54. to torni the leading edge portion 'of tliewing; and by connecting therear ends or edge portions of the upper and lower skin vor covering together b v means-of rivets or siich like attaching means 54. to form the trailing edge p Thus, the complete wing is readily assembled .and constructed from the upper and lower wing units E and l", with the wing frame enclosed'withw in'and covered by the skin without encountering working interl'ereni'e in attaching and closing the skin duet'o restricted and confined working spaces in which to apply and secure' the skin attaching means. such as the rivets disclosed. It' desiredtie rods sembled position ot the, units,a may lbe employed, and it is not desired to limit the invention to the specilic example shown and described.

. With the wing units in wing wing units E and F,`of which the.

respectively,

The wing as above described'can be readily disassembled for inspection. repair and' replacem'ent, without .detaehing the upper and lower units,

`,and lower lower skin 51 and 45 from the wing 'frame units. In disassembling the wing, the leading and trailing edge portions of the skin aredetarhed and the connecting members or channel bars 37 are Withdrawn from. the 'wing beams, and if employed, the tie rods and such like bracing and trussing means are disconnected (see Fig. 5), after which the upper and lower units can be detached and separated.

By the'invention an airplane supporting surface `or wing. and such like aircraft element, is fol-inedv and constructed in upper which when assembled and attached together provide a complete wing including a wing truss or frame and a skin or covering attached thereon and enclosing the same' to form the upper and lower wingsurfaces. The method of con structing andassembling a wing, or similar aircraft element, embodying the invention. consists in constructing separate upper and lower units eachso arranged that when assembled they form the complete trussed wing frame; attaching and securing on the upper unit before assembly .the skin forming the upper surface of the wing, attaching and securing the skin forming the lower surface of thevwing, on and to the lower unit of the frame before assembly; bringing the upper and lower units withl the wing skin attached thereon and relation toform the wing frame with the upper and lower skin forming the wing surfaces in position thereon; and then closing the Wing by attaching the leading and trailing edge portions of the upper and lower skin together to enclosethe frame and form and provide the on and enclosing the wing complete wing. In the foregoing manner, as hereinbefore describedyand explained in detail, the various difficulties encountered in applying and properly-attachingthe wing skin or cover frame are materially'reduced and practically eliminated.

vThe time and labor involved'in the construcand similar aircraft elements,

tion and assembly of-suclf .types of wings are thereby materially reduced. which permits of an increase in productionk thereof at a' reduced cost. 4

Attention is directed to the fact that the use of airplanewings as an example ofthe invention, and the use of the term wing Vin the claims is intended to' include panels or sections of wings, and to further include any and allv aircraft elements ofV similar `structural characteristicsrto wit; a frame truss or the like structure enclosed within and covered by a skin o1'. covering, Where similar or equivalent conditions may be en- Y countered in construction and assembly, or

the construction and method of the invention.

into assembled lpositionl where it is desired to obtain the results ofl parts of said and units detachably connected, and each unit having a portion of'the enclosing skin at` tached thereon.

2. In an aircraft element including a frame enclosed within a skin attached thereon, the frame formed of units detachably connected, and the units each having a portion vof the total enclosing skin attached in position thereon, such that in assembled position of the units the frame formed thereby is enclosed Within a skin formed efsaid portions. A

3. In 'an aircraft element including a trussed frame enclosed within a skin attached thereon, the frame formed of units so constructed and arranged as to'provide the complete trussed frame iny assembled po sition of the units, each unit having a portion ofthe total skin attached thereon, and said skin portions connected together to enclose said frame.

4f. In an aircraft' element including al trussed. frame enclosed within a skin attached thereon, the frame formed of unitsso constructed and arranged that in assembled position thereof the frame and trussing therefor is formed, and units detachably assembled in frame forming relation and eac having a portion of the frame enclosing skin attached thereon, andthe said skin portions detachably secured` together to form .the frame enclosing skin with said units in assemblcd position. Y

5. In a metal airplane wing includinga wing frame enclosed within a skin attached thereon, the wing frame formed of an upper unit having the upper surface of the wing skin attached thereon, and a lower unit having the lower surface of the wing skin attached thereon, the said units with the upper detachably joined tothe skin of each unit accesand lower skin thereon .form the wing, sible at both sides thereof with the unitsdetached.

Y 6. In an airplane wing including a wing frame formed of longitudinal beams and transverse rib forming trusses, said frame formed of an upper unit and a' and the said beams 'and rib forming trusses divided between 'and units, so that imassembled position of said units the complete longitudinal transverse rib forming trusses are lower unit,

forming component .the enclosing skin attached thereon and a lower unit having the lower surfaceof the enclosing skin attached thereon, the said units detachably secured together to form the wing frame, and the leading and trailing edge portions of theupp'er and lower surfaces of the skin detachably connected to close and form the complete wing.

9. In an airplane wing, a trussed wing frame formed of upper and lower units se cured together to form the complete frame, a skin forming the upper surface of the wing attached on the upper frame unit,ra skin forming the lower surface of the wing attached on the lower frame unit, said upper and lower skin secured together at the leading and trailing edgev portions, respectively, to enclose the frame and form the complete -wing therewith, and the wing so formed separable into said upper and lower frame units without detaching the upper and lower skin from position thereon, respectively.

` 10. In an airplane wing, a wingI frame inf cluding a series of longitudinal wing beams each comprising an upper section and a lower section, said wing frame formed of anv upper unit and a lower unit withthe upper and lower sections of .said series of wing beams included in and forming parts of said upper' and lower frame units, respectively, the said upper and lower units assembled and secured lin frame forming position by detachabl connecting the upper and lower sections o lsaid units, respectively.

11.4The method of constructingand assembling all-metal airplane wings, which consist in forming a wing in upperand lower units; assembling the units in wing forming positiongand thenattaching the units in as-A sembled position to form the complete wing.

12. The method of constructing and assembling all-metal airplane wings,' which consists in constructing the wing frame in separate units; applying and riveting the wing skin on the separate `frame units be fore assembly thereo assembling the units into wing forming position;.and then rivet ing the skin together to enclose the frame.

and form the complete wing therewith.

V13. The metho of constructing and assembling al1-metal airplane wings, which consists in constructing the wing framein separate upper' and lower units; applying and attaching the upper and lower skin of -the wing separately to -the upper and lower frame units, respectively, before assembly of such units;asseinbling and securing the frame units together in frame forming posi` tion; and then securing the leading and trailing edge portions of the'upper and lowerskin, respective plete the wing. y Y

14. The method of constructing andassembling all-metal airplane, wings, which consists in constructing the wing frame in separate upper and-lower units; applying and attaching theV upper and lower skin of the wing separatelyto the up er and lower frame units, respectively, be ore assembly of the units; assembling and detachably securing the frame units together in frame forming position; and then detachably sely, together to' close and comcuring the leading and trailing edge portions ofthe upper and lower skin, respectively, together -to close and complete the wing.

15. The'method of constructing'. and assembling all-metal airplane wings, which consists informing the wing frame in separate lupper and lower units each of which includes a portion of the longitudinal frame beams; applying and attaching the upper and lower skin of the wing separately to the respectively,

upper and lowerlframe units, before assembly of the units; assembling and securing the frame units in frame forming position with the portions of the longitudinal beams positioned to Aforin the complete longitudinal wing beams, respectively; and then securing the adjacent edge portions of the upper and lower'skin, respec tively, together to closev and form the coniplete wing. v f

16. In the arty of constructing and assembling all-metal airplane wings, those steps which consist in; constructing a metal wing framey in separate up er and lower units; and then applyinlgi an attaching the upper and lower metals n of the wing separately to the upper and lower fra-me units, respectively with both sides of the upper and lower skin accessible, respectively.

17. The method of constructing and as sembling all-metalA airplane wings, which consists in constructing the wing frame in separate units; attaclnng a portion of the metal win skin to each frame unit before 'assembly t ereof; assembling and attaching.

the `wing frame units with the portions of the wing skin thereon-into win frame forming position; andthen attaching the leading and trailing ends of the skinportions into frame closing position to complete the wing.

18. The method of constructing and assembling all-metal airplane wings embodying aimetal wing frame and a metalskin, whic liao" l consists in constructing the metal yving' frame in separate units; attachingon each frame unit before assembly of the units a portion of the total metal -Wing skin, in suchr ositionlthereon respectively, that in assem led position of the frame units the metal Wing skin on athe frame is formed; and then assembling and attaching the frame units in Wing frame forming position with the 'skin portions on the units forming the Wing therewith. A v

19. In an all-metal airplane Wing, a metal wing frame formed of separate units detachably secured together in frame forming l5 relation, and a metal wing skin securedV to said units and detachably fastened inv position enclosing the frame to form the wing,

the said frame units detachable Without re* moving the Wing skin therefrom, rrespectively. y

20. In an all-metal airplane Wing, a metal Wing frame formed of separate units detachably secured together, and a metal wing skin formed in sections secured to said frame units, respectively, the said skin sections extended beyond the Wing frame and detachably secured to ether to form the Wing. y

Signed at `It aca, New York, this 27th day of Januray, 1923. Y

- RANDOLPH F.` HALL. 

